They are known and trusted by VCs - otherwise you have no chance of getting funded.

When family says something hurtful I find it’s jealousy and judgment of their own choices.

If you wanna hit them back then you can say, “Most people think they can be entrepreneurial but are only suited for one role because the brisk overtakes them. For me, the biggest risk was how I spend my time because you are what you do.”

And then don’t explain yourself. Smile and nod when they say they could’ve done XY or Z and say “Sure!” and then KNOW you were there doing the grind like a champ while you watch them tear themselves to ribbons trying to explain why 20 years of being a cog was meaningful.

If their career was meaningful they wouldn’t be disrespectful of your meaningful career.